What is the Genocide in Darfur?

According to the findings of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, January 25, 2005, "government forces and militias conducted indiscriminate attacks, including killing of civilians, torture, enforced disappearances, destruction of villages, rape and other forms of sexual violence, pillaging and forced displacement, throughout Darfur. These acts were conducted on a widespread and systematic basis ..."

The effects of this ethnic cleansing campaign have been devastating. It is estimated that at least 300,000 people have died. More than 1.6 million people have been displaced from their homes and over 200,000 have fled across the border to Chad. Many now live in camps lacking adequate food, shelter, sanitation, and health care. Women and girls who leave the camps to gather much needed firewood risk being attacked and raped by Janjaweed patrolling the countryside.

Genocide Declared

The U.S. Congress declared that the killings in Darfur amount to "genocide," while also urging U.S. President George W. Bush to call the situation in Sudan "by its rightful name - genocide."

For the first time in its history, the Committee on Conscience of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has declared a "genocide emergency" in the Sudan, indicating that genocide is imminent or is actually happening in the Darfur region.

The Sudanese government continues to flout international law with impunity. They have made no progress in disarming or prosecuting the Janjaweed; Sudanese police forces have attacked displacement camps and forcibly relocated people; there have been recent reports of bombing in violation of agreements the government has signed.

In recent months, the situation has deteriorated significantly. Fighting has escalated and several relief organizations, unable to protect their workers, have pulled out of the region. If the violence continues and people do not receive adequate aid and protection, many more victims will die.

» How you can help

The content on this page originates from www.savedarfur.org

Want to learn more about what's happening in Darfur? These sites provide comprehensive information.

Posters

AUJS's Fight Racism and Fight Genocide posters are available for download.